Encephalopathy is a term used to describe brain problems involving structure or function, which can cause mental and physical symptoms. Diagnosis involves tests for underlying conditions, and treatment depends on the cause and severity of symptoms. Some cases may be untreatable.
If a person has a brain disease, damage, or malfunction, they are usually diagnosed with encephalopathy. It is not a specific disease, but rather a way of describing any brain problems involving problems with structure or function. Generally, a person with encephalopathy will experience mental changes, which can be mild or severe. Physical symptoms, such as impaired coordination, also often occur.
There is a wide range of symptoms a person can have when they develop encephalopathy. More frequently, a person with this condition will experience an altered mental state. For example, you may have difficulty paying attention or display a lack of common sense. In some cases, a person with this condition becomes extremely lethargic or seems demented.
Some cases of encephalopathy present with physical symptoms such as poor coordination, muscle twitching, tremors, or seizures. A patient can also fall into a coma. The severity of the symptoms a person experiences is often directly related to the cause of the condition. A person who has a case of minor brain damage may have muscle twitching as a primary symptom, for example. On the other hand, a person who has a disease that deprives the brain of oxygen can quickly go into a coma and may even die.
Doctors use many different types of tests to diagnose a person with encephalopathy. Often, they start by testing for a primary disease or condition, such as liver disease or blood infection, that is causing the encephalopathy. Among the commonly used tests are those that measure a person’s level of alertness and coordination. Doctors may also use blood and metabolic tests to diagnose the condition and may examine body cultures for infections, parasites, and signs of illegal or illicit drug use. Sometimes kidney function tests are also used.
Imaging tests are often used to diagnose patients. For example, a doctor may order computed axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests in hopes of detecting any swelling of the brain and brain tissue abnormalities. These tests can also help identify some infections. Ultrasounds can be used to assess a person’s blood flow and to look for abscesses. Sometimes electroencephalograms (EEGs) are used to evaluate a person’s brain wave patterns and evaluate brain damage.
Treatment for encephalopathy depends on what caused the condition and how severe the symptoms are. It often involves treating a primary or underlying condition in addition to symptoms caused by brain damage or disease. Unfortunately, some types of brain damage and mental changes related to encephalopathy are permanent and untreatable.
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